The Academy of Model Aeronautics has a long and successful history in advocating for the flying privileges of the aeromodeling community. It is one of the top reasons why modelers join the AMA and renew their membership year after year. In 2012, Congress passed the FAA Modernization and Reform Act intended to prevent model aviation from overreaching and burdensome regulation.

While this is a positive step, the FAA has recently launched the UAS Registration program. Based on the protections from the 2012 FAA Modernization and Reform Act that we helped pass into law, we do not believe that our 188,000 members should be subject to the UAS registration rule. We are continuing to explore all legal and political options available, but these conversations may take time and a definitive solution is unlikely before the February 19 registration deadline. Therefore, AMA members are now required by regulation to register their aircraft with the FAA to avoid federal enforcement and potential penalties.

Thank you for your patience as we work to find the best path forward on registration. We are committed to doing everything possible to protect our hobby and ensure that future generations have the opportunity to fly.